Mayor Don Wesely today introduced the Emergency Beacon, a light bulb that can be useful in
helping emergency officials locate those in need of help. Aging Services is partnering with the
city Police and Fire Departments and the Lincoln Electric System (LES) to make the beacons
available in the Lincoln area.

"In rural areas and in some urban neighborhoods, it can be hard for emergency personnel to find
addresses, especially at night," said Mayor Wesely. "In some situations, time can make the
difference between life and death, and these Emergency Beacons can provide a signal to
emergency crews."

The 60-watt bulbs fit in standard porch lights, and are to be used after placing a call to 911. The
bulbs are activated by switching the light on and off three times, which triggers the bulbs to flash
in a strobe manner. The beacon is visible for up to a mile-and-a-half at night and 125 yards in the
daytime. The Emergency Beacon, which retails for $19.95, is available for $8.50 from LES, 11th
and "O" streets. Neighborhood associations can purchase boxes of 25 bulbs and have them
shipped directly.

Pilot projects were conducted in the Autumnwood neighborhood of Lincoln and with interested
users of the Emergency LifeLine Units. In June, 43 beacons were distributed at an Autumnwood
Neighborhood Association meeting. About one-third of the Emergency Lifeline Unit users who
were contacted have requested a beacon.

The product is recognized by the National League of Cities, the National Crime Prevention
Council, McGruff's "Take a Bite Out of Crime" Program and various crime prevention agencies
around the country.

Older citizens who would like more information about the Emergency Beacon can contact the
LIFE (Lincoln Information For the Elderly) office 441-7070.